Damien Martyn hospitalised; undergoing treatment for meningitis

Damien Martyn, the former Australian batter, in an induced coma as he undergoes treatment for meningitis, having fallen ill over the past few days. The 54-year-old was admitted to hospital in Brisbane following a sudden illness.

Adam Gilchrist, a close friend and longtime teammate of Martyn for both Australia and Western Australia, confirmed the development on behalf of the family. "He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn's partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes," Gilchrist said.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the board and the wider cricket community were thinking of Martyn and his family during the difficult period. "I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and across the cricket community are with him at this time," Greenberg said in a statement.

The Darwin-born Martyn made his Test debut at 21, stepping in for the late Dean Jones during the 1992-93 home series against West Indies. He went on to become Western Australia's captain at 23 and carved out a distinguished international career, highlighted by his role in Australia's 2003 World Cup triumph.

One of Martyn's finest Test series came in India in 2004, when he was named Player of the Series in Australia's last away series win there, top-scoring in four of their eight innings. His highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, and he finished his career with 13 Test hundreds.